Dr. Todd Anderson

07/30/2026

Receiving the Dr. Wally Schmitt Award from my longtime mentor, colleague, and one of my dearest friends.

07/30/2026

This is the peak. 🏔️

Receiving the Dr. Wally Schmitt Award from my longtime mentor, colleague, and one of my closest friends.

04/10/2026

🚨 Iodine & Hashimoto’s: The Hidden Risk of Excess
Excess iodine may appear harmless, yet for individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis it can trigger autoimmune flares and prolonged thyroid suppression.

Key mechanisms include:
➡️ Elevated iodine levels can increase thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, intensifying inflammation and autoimmune activity.
➡️ Excess iodine increases the immunogenicity of thyroid proteins, prompting a stronger immune response.

The thyroid possesses a natural protective mechanism known as the Wolff-Chaikoff Effect. This biological “circuit breaker” temporarily halts the synthesis of T4 and T3 hormones when it detects a dangerous surge in iodine, thereby preventing acute thyroid toxicity.

In a healthy thyroid gland, this inhibitory effect is transient — typically lasting 24 to 48 hours, followed by an “escape phenomenon” that allows normal hormone production to resume within a few days.

However, in patients with Hashimoto’s, the protective shutdown may persist for weeks or longer, potentially resulting in a prolonged hypothyroid state sometimes described as a thyroid crash. Recovery varies and may require medical intervention, including temporary thyroid hormone replacement in some cases.

⚠️ Individuals with Hashimoto’s should exercise caution with high-iodine intake. Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is recommended before any dietary or supplemental changes.

I love using iodine, so don’t take this the wrong way! But we are way past throwing iodine at every thyroid problem.

04/06/2026

🌡️ Understanding POTS: Triggers & Biological Mechanisms

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) often doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It usually has clear triggers and complex biological reasons behind it.

Most common triggers:
✅ Viral & bacterial infections (like mono, flu, or SARS-CoV-2)
✅ Physical trauma, surgery, pregnancy, or concussions
✅ Prolonged bed rest / deconditioning
✅ Major life events & stress

And the key biological mechanisms that drive it:
🧬 Autoimmunity & molecular mimicry
❤️ Hypovolemia & hyperadrenergic state
🧠 Central nervous system impairment

💡 Did you know?
• 90% of adult POTS patients are female
• Up to 41% of cases follow a viral infection
• Over 50% report onset after a significant fever

If you or someone you love is dealing with POTS, you’re not alone. Knowledge is power when it comes to understanding your body.

03/22/2026

Is hEDS More Than Just a Structural Issue? 🧬✨

For a long time, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)—especially the hypermobile type (hEDS)—was viewed strictly as a “mechanical” problem caused by genetic mutations in collagen. But new research is shifting the narrative: Autoimmunity and immune dysregulation might be a major piece of the puzzle.

Swipe to see how your immune system and your connective tissue might be talking to each other. ➡️

1. The “Autoimmune Mimic” 🔍
Many EDS patients spend years being misdiagnosed with autoimmune diseases like Lupus (SLE) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) because the symptoms—joint pain, fatigue, and rashes—overlap so much. Interestingly, studies show that autoimmune conditions are significantly more common in the EDS population than in the general public.

2. The ANA Connection 🧪
In a recent study of hypermobile patients, a staggering 62% tested positive for Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA). While many didn’t meet the full criteria for a specific autoimmune disease yet, the high presence of these antibodies suggests that the body’s immune system is active and potentially targeting its own tissues.
3. It’s in the “Complement” 🛡️
Groundbreaking proteomics research has found that hEDS patients have altered levels of proteins in the complement system, a core part of our innate immune defense. In fact, 80% of the altered proteins found in one study were linked to immune function and inflammation, rather than just structural collagen defects. This suggests hEDS involves systemic immune dysregulation.

4. The Inflammation Loop 🔄
Why would a genetic tissue disorder trigger autoimmunity? One theory is that structural weaknesses in the tissue lead to chronic, low-grade inflammation. This persistent “danger signal” may eventually trigger the immune system to misfire and develop autoimmune reactivity.

5. The MCAS Factor 💥
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a frequent companion to EDS. When mast cells are overactive, they release a flood of inflammatory mediators (like histamine and cytokines) that can act as a trigger or amplifier for autoimmune activity.

03/17/2026

PCOS: The Insulin-Driven Vicious Cycle

Many people believe PCOS is primarily a hormone problem. In reality, insulin surges (hyperinsulinemia) are often the hidden root that drives the condition — and these surges can occur before full insulin resistance develops.

Here’s how the cycle works in simple terms:
🔄 Phase 1: The Trigger
Insulin surges stimulate the ovaries to produce excess testosterone.
➡️ At the same time, high insulin suppresses SHBG in the liver, leaving more “free” testosterone active in the blood.
🔄 Phase 2: The Result
Excess androgens disrupt signals from the brain (hypothalamus), causing high LH pulses and low FSH.

This leads to:
• Follicular arrest
• Cyst formation
• Ovulatory dysfunction

Even worse — the excess androgens then stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, while chronic surges can eventually lead to secondary insulin resistance, locking the vicious cycle in place.

The good news? Addressing insulin surges and improving insulin sensitivity is often the most effective way to break this cycle for many women with PCOS.

If you’re struggling with PCOS symptoms, understanding this insulin connection can be a game-changer.

03/10/2026

If you’re a patient of mine, then you’ll know I’m not a fan of snacking! Stop shutting down these built in mechanisms that help you heal. 😊

🦠 Your gut is home to trillions of microbes. When they fall out of balance, that imbalance becomes an inflammation machine — even if your diet is perfect.

🧹 The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) is a cyclical pattern of motility that occurs in the fasting state within the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the stomach and small intestine. It consists of four phases, with Phase III representing the most active period characterized by strong, propulsive contractions that sweep residual contents, bacteria, and debris distally toward the colon. This “housekeeping” mechanism plays a critical role in preventing bacterial overgrowth, particularly in the small intestine, by maintaining clearance during periods between meals. Disruption or impairment of the MMC—due to factors such as stress, certain medications, or underlying conditions—can contribute to stasis, dysbiosis, and conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

02/23/2026

I like to think of Cysteine as a turnstile for neurotransmitters that prevent huge swings in them.

🧠⚖️ NAC supports balanced brain chemistry by modulating glutamate and dopamine pathways.

Through the cystine-glutamate antiporter, it helps regulate extracellular glutamate levels, preventing excessive excitatory signaling while promoting stable dopamine function and transporter activity. This contributes to improved mood regularity and reduced impulsivity—key benefits observed in contexts such as ADHD and mood dysregulation. A valuable adjunct for neurotransmitter homeostasis. 🌿

02/16/2026

Constipated?
Think serotonin is just about your mood? Think again! 🧠✨

While it’s often called the “happiness hormone,” the vast majority of serotonin—about 95%—is actually found in your gastrointestinal tract, not your brain. This powerhouse neurotransmitter is produced by specialized enterochromaffin cells in your gut lining, where it acts as a critical regulator for your entire digestive system.
Here is why gut serotonin is so important:
🏃‍♂️ It Keeps Things Moving: Serotonin is the main driver of the peristaltic reflex, the rhythmic contractions that move food through your intestines. Without it, your gut motility would stall.
💧 It Regulates Secretion: It helps manage the flow of water and electrolytes, ensuring your digestion stays balanced and effective.
🛰️ The “Second Brain” Connection: Serotonin is a key player in the gut-brain axis, sending signals to your central nervous system that allow you to feel visceral sensations like discomfort or pain.

When your serotonin system is disrupted, it can lead to common disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia. In fact, many modern treatments for these conditions now target serotonin receptors directly to help restore balance.

Your gut health and your mental well-being are more connected than you think! 🤝✨

08/26/2025

🩸 🩸

The American Gastroenterological Association's 2020 guidelines increased the diagnostic serum ferritin threshold from 15 ng/mL to 45 ng/mL, raising the estimated prevalence of iron deficiency among US adults by 3.3 million.

https://ja.ma/3HOczxf